Saenda names finals Malawi Queens Fast5 squad

Malaei Queens Coach Griffin Saenda has named his final squad set to travel to Melbourne in Australia for the Fast Five netball competition.

Among those missing on the travelling list is injured Tigresses duo of shooter Sindi Simtowe and centre Beatrice Mpinganjira.

Simtowe who has been on and off during the team’s training sessions is not a surprise ommission following a nasty injury she suffered during Tigress Rainbow paints game against Shizaella a couple of weeks ago.

Instead, the new Queens Coach has opted for Kukoma Diamond’s Jessie Mazengera Sanudi who will likely partner Simtowe’s long time Queens partner Mwai Kumwenda.

Saenda has also given Thunder Queens centre Thandi Galeta Saenda a nod ahead of Mpinganjira who has been on and off for the Queens of late. Blue eagle’s duo of centre Takondwa “Bonzo” Lwazi and shooter Joyce Mvula also makes it into the final squad.

And speaking to Nyasa Times after releasing his final squad, Saenda admitted how hectic it was to come up with a final travelling list.

“We had top quality players capable of making the final squad but dropped. I know that some will point fingers at me as to why I left out some of the top quality players. But what I can assure Malawians is that it was not an easy job. However, I had to come up with only 10 names out of the cream that I called for camp,” said Saenda.

Saenda who also manages Kukoma Diamonds said his target at this year’s Fast Five tournament is to reclaim Queens position and break into the top four.

“It is possible if we go with the current mental and physical strength. I don’t think there should be a reason why we cannot achieve that target. We have quality players capable of competing at the highest level. All we need from Malawians now are their prayers,” said Saenda.

According to Netball Association of Malawi, the team is expected to depart Malawi through Kamuzu International Airport on Monday. However, it is not yet clear whether NAM has finally found the remaining K18 million shortfall which thy had.